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support social transfers to mitigate inequalities that can grow in times of crisis and to
ensure that the rights of the disadvantaged and marginalized individuals and groups are not
disproportionately affected. Fourth, the policy must identify the minimum core content of
rights or a social protection floor, as developed by the International Labour Organization,
and ensure the protection of this core content at all times.
Finally, may I highlight that international cooperation is a fundamental obligation
for the progressive universal realization of economic, social and cultural rights. In this
regard, the Committee has on many occasions underlined the requirement that States
parties to the Covenant should respect their obligations in relation to economic, social and
cultural rights when making decisions, including on official development assistance, in
international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary
Fund, regional financial institutions and regional integration organizations.
I therefore wish to express the Committee’s hope that your Government will be
guided by its obligations under the Covenant when developing and adopting international
and regional programmes to promote economic and social development and to overcome
the economic and financial crisis.
I take this opportunity to wish you every success in your endeavours and to
reiterate the assurances of my highest consideration.
(Signed) Ariranga G. Pillay
Chairperson
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
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